MLS Preview: As the regular seasons nears to an end, who has what it takes to secure their place in the Playoffs for 2017?

Orlando City play host to FC Dallas coming off the back of a huge 6-1 victory. The victory still doesn’t gloss over a disappointing campaign for Jason Kreis’ men who will be hoping that captain and talisman, Kaka, can produce another scintillating display to ensure a strong end to the season. As for Dallas, after all the early season promise their season took a slump. Dallas sit just one point inside the playoff places. They’ll be hoping for another calming performance off veteran midfielder Javi Morales to ensure a winning start to 3 consecutive away fixtures.

Toronto City vs New York Red Bulls

BMO Field – Saturday 30th September 2017 – 19:00 ET (00:00 BST)

Toronto FC were looking like run away leaders until 2 straight defeats has seen their lead cut to 7 points. They now play host to New York Red Bulls, who may inadvertently do their rivals a huge favour in the chase for 1st spot. Jozy Altidore will be back in action for the hosts but the ever impressive Sebastian Giovinco is unlikely. The Italian needs more time to rest due to muscle tightness and with the playoffs on the horizon they’ll need him to be fully fit. New York Red Bulls need to rally together to ensure there season doesn’t end in disaster. A run of 7 games without a win has left them looming just above the playoff spot.

Columbus vs D.C United

Mapfre Stadium – Saturday 30th September 2017 – 19:30 ET (00:30 BST)

This fixture is the final home game of the regular season for Columbus, with victory ensuring they will make the playoffs for the third time in 4 seasons. They come up against a D.C United side who’s season has been less than impressive. With -22 goal difference and only 9 wins all season, manager Ben Olsen must be looking forward to the end of this campaign.

Chicago Fire vs New York City

Toyota Park – Saturday 30th September 2017 – 19:30 ET (00:30 BST)

Chicago secured their playoff spot with a 4-1 win on Wednesday night. The quite unbelievable turnaround has seen them from finishing last place in 2016 to now qualifying for the postseason. They face a stern test this weekend though as they entertain second place New York City. New York boss Patrick Viera has called for his team to be more ruthless in front of goal after only netting 1 of 22 attempts in their last fixture. A problem you’d not expect them to have with World Cup Winner David Villa in their ranks.

Sporting KC will secure a place in the playoffs if they win and other results go their way. It’s been a great few weeks for the Wizards who lifted The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup a week ago, throw in 2 very important league wins which has seen them catapulted to just 1 point behind leaders and this weekends opponents. Vancouver will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing defeat to Seattle in midweek and remain in top spot for the rest of regular season.

L.A Galaxy vs Real Salt Lake

StubHub Center – Saturday 30th September 2017 – 19:30 PT (01:30 BST)

L.A Galaxy have had quite the fall from grace this season. After making the play off semi finals last year, only to be knocked out on penalties, they now find themselves sitting second from bottom in the Western Conference, only 7 wins and the third worst goal difference from each division. The draw in midweek saw their near decade long run of appearances in the playoffs also come to an end. To try and end on a high they will need a victory over Real Salt Lake. Easier said than done against a side who are coming off the back of 2 victories against teams above them in the table, giving themselves a great chance to reach the playoffs.

After their midweek 6-1 trouncing by Orlando, New England now face a side they lost 7-0 to just a few weeks ago. With just 5 point separating them and the playoffs, a strong end to the season is a necessity. The goals of Kei Kamara have been vitally important for The Revs this campaign. They’ll be relying on the Sierra Leone international to be firing them to help reach the playoffs. As for Atlanta, a playoff spot was secured after victory in midweek. Becoming the first expansion team since Seattle in ’09 to reach the playoffs in their first year. A lot of talk was surrounding Atlanta before the season begun and they’ve duly delivered. Victory this weekend and in the final few games will put them in great stead for the playoffs.

Alberth Elis rescued a point for Houston in midweek to help keep their hopes alive for a playoff spot, with them now sitting just one point behind 6th place. They take on a Minnesota side who have given themselves a slim chance after back to back victories, but they face a tough run in before regular season comes to a close.

News of Montreal reaching an agreement to extend Argentine star, Ignacio Piatti’s stay with the club will give the whole team a huge boost for the final run in. It’s out of their hands as to whether they can make the playoffs but a win over lowly Colorado this weekend will give them a fighting chance. Colorado will be playing for pride as not to finish the season in last place. They’re 3 games without a win, not a good time to hit another bad run of form.

San Jose Earthquakes vs Portland Timbers

Avaya Stadium – Saturday 30th September 2017 – 19:15 PT (03:15 BST)

Loss to Chicago in midweek hurt San Jose’s chances of continuing their football past regular season. Standing in their way of redeeming themselves is a Portland side who are still yet to secure their spot in the top 6 yet. Portland where hoping to have Nigerian striker, Fanendo Adi back from injury to help with the push. But it looks as if he may still be a few weeks away from recovery.

Philadelphia Union vs Seattle Sounders

Talen Energy Stadium – Sunday 1st October – 13:00 ET (18:00 BST)

Seattle will be without Osvaldo Alonso and Roman Torres this weekend due to injuries. The pair where subbed off during their sides 3-0 midweek victory. After a run of just 1 win in the last 6, Seattle Head Coach Brian Schmetzer had a reshuffle to give his attack more muscle. Which paid off to some avail. The fans will be hoping for more of the same as they travel to play a Philadelphia side looking for a decent finish to their campaign.